Machine for forming upright,rectangular cartons



United States Patent [72] Inventors Edward J. Derderian,

4515 N. Wilson Ave., Fresno, Calif. 93704, and William L. Bridger,Fowler, California [21] Appl. No. 696,263 [22] Filed Jan. 8, 1968 [45]Patented Nov. 3, 1970 [73] Assignee Said Bridger assignor to saidDerderian [54] MACHINE FOR FORMING UPRIGHT,

RECTANGULAR CARTONS 9 Claims, 20 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl. 93/53, 53/186, 93/36.01, 271/62 [51] Int. Cl. B31b 1/76[50] Field of Search ..93/53, 53m, 53or; 53/186; 271/62 [56] ReferencesCited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,285,606 11/1966 Johnson et al. 271/623,298,288 1/1967 Anderson et al 93/53 Primary Examiner- Bernard StickneyAttorneyl luebner and Worrel ABSTRACT: A machine for forming upright,rectangular cartons having vertically extended flaps from knocked-downor flattened forms thereof including a magazine supporting the forms ingenerally vertical positions and feeding them generally horizontally toa ready position from which they are withdrawn or plucked by a pickerhaving suction means, and opened and substantially squared in theprocess, the bottom flaps being folded in and closed, the top flapsbeing unfolded and opened to present the container in condition ready toreceive articles, particularly characterized by a magazine whichincludes endless chains driven by ratchet means and intermittentlyactuated by an air ram controlled by a switch influenced by the positionof the leading container form in the magazine and devices for exertingdrag on the container forms as they are withdrawn from the magazine bythe picker for opening and substantially squaring the container forms.

Patented Nbv. 3, 1970 Sheet of 13 I 7 m Y .W

"EDWARD J. Dakota/AN WILLIAM L.- BRIDGE]? YINVA'NTORS A TTORNE'VSPatented 'Nov. 3, i970 Sheet 3 r 13 N S v mmm rm v 01. mm J r -ymwmm m ATTOIPNEYS Pateritd Nov. 3, 1970 I I 5373 Sheet 1- of 1 WILLIAM L.BRIDGER INVENTQRS awn b J, osnotnmn ATTORNEYS Patented vNov. 3, 1970Sheet g of J. DERDERIAN WILLIAM L. unmask g g Q QQ gm wk LW 4 mm mmbm 3%nrromgrs.

Patented Nov. 3, 1970 Sheet 9 or 15 M 11 .LIWLTF m li w $m 3W we 3M m,

EDWARD, J. DERDER/AN. WILL/AM 1. an/0am mun/700s A7TORNEYS Patented Nov.3, 1970 Sheet EDWARD J. DRDRIAN WILLIAM L. ale/0am INVENTORS ATTORNEYSPat entecl Nov. 3, 1970 Sheet com won EDWARD J. asnosnmv WILLIAM L.BRIDGER INl/E' N 7095 ATTORNEYS MACHINE FOR FORMING UPRIGIIT,RECTANGULAR CARTONS In a form of the machine which telescopicallyassembles box and liner portions of a container, the portions, each withflaps on one end only, are disposed generally vertically in separatemagazines with the flaps extending toward each other, and are fed in thesame manner as in the magazine of the machine previously described.There is an air ram operated picker for each container portion and dragmeans cooperating therewith which assist in opening and substantiallysquaring of the portion as it is withdrawn. The box portion pickerplaces the opened box portion in the entering end of opposing flightchains of a flight section in alignment with a liner portion pusher. Theliner portion picker places the liner portion in front of a pusher inalignment with the box portion. The pusher is operated by an air ram andpushes the liner portion, with the flaps thereof leading the sides, andtelescopes it into the box portion, after which the box portion endflaps are tucked in by air rams and glued, and the side flaps are closedand pressed by air ram operated devices to present a container closed atone end and open at the other for reception of articles.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION The present invention relates to machines forforming containers, from knocked-down, that is, flattened forms of thesame which are erected, or opened and squared, the bottom flaps beingtucked in to form a container for receiving articles and, moreparticularly, to container forming machines with a magazine feed inwhich a supply of flattened forms of the container are disposed inupright positions and are opened and substantially squared as they arewithdrawn from the supply thereof. It is to be understood that the termcontainer hereinafter employed particularly serves to designatecontainers frequently called cartons which are formed from articulated,knocked-down blanks.

One form of the type of container forming machine referred to is shownand described in U.S. Pat. No.-2,968,226 in which a supply of flattenedorknocked-down forms of the container are supported in upright positionsto be picked off one at a time by feeding dogs on a traveling endlesschain and fed to an erecting station in the machine, the erectingstation including wedges adapted to enter between the flaps of theflattened container, and an impeding lever which engages the leadingcorner of the container, all in a manner serving to open and square thecontainer for erecting the same.

SUMMARY OFYINVENTION It is, therefore, an object of the presentinvention to provide a container forming machine of simpler constructionin which flattened or knocked-down forms of the container are fed from asupply thereof and are automatically opened and substantially squared ina reliable and rapid manner'as they are withdrawn from the supply.

Another object is to provide a magazine for a container forming machinewhich is operated in intermittent stop-and-. go fashion in order thatproper pressure is maintained on the flattened container form foroptimum opening and squaring of the container.

A further object is to provide a magazine for a container formingmachine in which a supply of flattened forms of the container aresupported in upright positions, the leading one of said forms beingwithdrawn from said supply and sufficiently retained during withdrawalfor opening and substantially squaring the container form.

Still another object is to provide a container forming machine in whicha plurality of magazines serveto supply container portions in flattenedupright form which are withdrawn or plucked therefrom for opening andsquaring and later assembling of the portions.

A still further object is to provide a container forming machine inwhich telescoping container portions are separately supplied and laterassembled to form an article receiving container.

An additional object is to provide a container forming machine in whichcertain flaps of the container are bent along fold lines and the bentpositions thereof are set so that the flaps do not spring back fromtheir bent positions.

These and other objects and advantages are attained by the presentinvention which includes a container forming machine featuring amagazine supporting an adequate number of the containers in flattened orknocked-down form disposed generally vertically in side-by-siderelationship and advanced horizontally by a pivoted plate operativelyengaged with a conveyor, the conveyor being driven in intermittentstop-andgo fashion by a ratchet mechanism operated by an air ram formaintaining the leading flattened form against retaining means with apredetermined amount of pressure for optimum opening and substantiallysquaring of the container by suction means which pluck the leading form.The machine further operates to tuck in and set certain end flaps of thecontainer and present the container to a packet closed at one end andopen at the other for the receipt of articles. In a more sophisticatedform of the machine, the container is assembled from a pair of containerportions telescopically related and frictionally held together, theportions being supplied in flattened form by a pair of magazines andplucked therefrom for opening and substantially squaring each portionand later assembly thereof by air ram operated devices and endlessflight chains, all in a coordinated, reliable and rapid manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. I is a fragmentary top plan view ofone embodiment of container forming machine in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the machine of FIG. I, with parts omittedor in section.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken generally along line 33of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a vertical longitudinal section taken generally along line 4-4in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a transverse vertical section taken generally along line 5-5in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a transverse vertical section taken generally along line 6-6in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a vertical section taken generally along line 7-7 in FIG. 1showing the pivotal mounting of the pusher plate of the magazine feed.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side elevation showing the ratchet mechanism fordriving the magazine horizontal feed.

FIG. 8a is a diagram schematically illustrating the operation of theratchet mechanism of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 illustrates the disposition of the container in its flattened orknocked-down form in the magazine and the erecting or opening andsquaring thereof.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary vertical section showing the apparatus forfolding the bottom side flaps of the container.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of another formof container forming machinewhich assembles telescoping portions of a container and employsdualmagazine feeds.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary horizontalseetion, on a larger scale, of themachine of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary vertical section taken generally along line13-13 ofFIG. l2.

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary vertical section taken generally along line14-14 ofFIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary vertical section taken generally along line15-15 of FIG. I2 illustrating the dispositions of the telescopingportions of the container in their respective magazines. 7

FIG. 16 illustrates the opening and squaring of the telescoping portionsof the container from theknocked-down forms thereof.

FIG. I7 is a fragmentary elevational view of the arm which completessquaring of the box or outer portion of the container.

3 FIG. 18 is a fragmentary vertical section taken generally along line18-18 of FIG. 12 illustrating the action of the box flap openers.

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary vertical section taken generally along line19-19 of FIG. 12 illustrating the action of the box flap closers.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Single Magazine Machine Referring to FIGS. 1and 3, there is illustrated one embodiment of a container formingmachine in accordance with the principles of the present invention whichis designated generally by reference numeral 20 and consists, inessence, of a magazine section 22 supporting a plurality of containers24 in knocked-down or flattened form which are withdrawn or pluckedtherefrom by a picker section 26 and aligned with a container flightsection 28, the container form being opened and substantially squared inthe process, after which the opened container form is advanced into theflight section 28 by operation ol'a pusher section 30 for movementthrough the machine during which the bottom llups of the container formare tucked in and the top flaps thereof are unfolded to open positionfor receipt of articles into the formed container, as will later be mademore clear. The various sections are suitably supported in a framework38 of the machine.

Each section will be described in greater detail with the cooperativerelationship therebetween being brought out more fully in a descriptionof the overall operation of the machine. As will later appear, a numberof air rams are employed which, in general, are of the relay-controlled,solenoidvalve operated type well known and widely used in the art.Showings of such relays and valves are considered unnecessary for anunderstanding of the present invention and hence are not shown. However,their cooperative presence is to be understood in the description of theoperation of the air rams in response to the actuation of switchesassociated therewith.

The magazine section 22 includes a pair of longitudinally extendingparallel rails 32 which are of angular form and support the upper runsof a pair of endless chains 34. Associated with the rails and endlesschains is a pair of support members 36 of elongated form disposedintermediate the rails 32 and parallel thereto at about the level of theupper runs of the endless chains 34. The angular rails 32 are suitablysupported on framework 38, support members 36 being suitably supportedby the rails 32. Also mounted on the framework 38 is a rodlike member 40disposed parallel to the rails 32. Surrounding the member 40 is a sleeve42 for pivotally mounting a pusher or backup plate 44 which is fixed tothe sleeve and has a manipulating handle 46.

As shown in FIG. 7, attached to the lower edge of plate 44 is a pair ofspaced apart elements 48, each having a depending projection 48d adaptedto engage with one of the endless chains 34, respectively, for movementof the plate thereby.

The endless chains 34 are adapted to be driven or advanced by a ratchetmechanism 50 shown in FIG. 8 and later described in greater detail.

Thus, the containers 24, in flattened or knocked-down form, aresupported in magazine section 22 in an upright or generally verticalposition, the lower edges of the containers resting on the chains 34 andthe support members 36, the plate 44 engaging the back of the lastcontainer form in the magazine and urging the whole supply thereofforwardly with advancement of the chains 34, the extent of suchadvancement being controlled by engagement of theleading container form24 with a microswitch 52 at the forward end of the magazine section 22,as shown in FIG. 3.

Disposed adjacent the forward end of the magazine section 22 is anupright support in the form of a rod 54 on which are pivotally mountedvertically spaced apart retaining devices or holding fingers 56 urgedinto holding engagement with one vertical edge of the leading containerform 24 by biasing springs 58, best seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6.

Associated with the other vertical edge of the leading container form 24is a pair of vertically spaced apart, horizontally disposed rods 54'pivotally mounting a pair of retaining devices or holding fingers 56'biased into holding engagement by springs 58, best seen in FIGS. 2 and3.

Inviting attention to FIG. 9, the various parts of the container 24 willbe defined for a better understanding of the action of the machine ofthe present invention upon the several parts thereof. It will be notedthat FIG. 9 illustrates the container in flattened form by solid lines,and by phantom lines shown the container extended or erected into openedand I squared form for advancement through the machine. The severalparts of the container will be designated with such advancement in mind.Thus, the containers 24 are stacked in the magazine section 22 with theupper major and minor flaps thereof extending upwardly and thefabrication joint or seam 60 preferably facing forwardly. To one side ofseam 60 is an upper major or side flap 62 and an upper minor or end flap64 with a slot 66 therebetween. Back of flap 62 is an upper minor flap68 which, after opening and squaring of the container, becomes theleading upper end flap; flap 64 thus becomes the trailing upper endflap. Disposed behind slot 66 is an upper major flap 70. Employingprimed versions of appropriate numerals to designate the bottom flaps ofthe container, numerals 62 and 64' designate the forwardly facing bottommajor and minor flaps, respectively, with a slot 66' therebetween. Backof flaps 62' and 64' are bottom minor flap 68' and bottom major flap70', flap 68' leading flap 64' during advancement of the openedcontainer 24 through the machine. For further clarity of reference, anend panel or leading side face of the opened container is designated byreference numeral 72, the opposite end panel or trailing side face bynumeral 72:, and the other two side panels or side faces by numeral 72s.It is understood, of course, that the container form 24 is provided withthe usual fold or score lines.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, supported within framework 38 transverselyof the magazine section 22 and above the forward end thereof is a member74. Slidably adjustably supported on member 74 is a sleeve 76 carrying asupport member 78 from which a projection or finger80 depends adapted tobe aligned with slots 66 of the containers 24 stacked in the magazinesection 22, best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. Disposed below finger 80 is anupstanding projection or finger 80' also adjustably mounted and adaptedto be aligned with slots 66' of the containers 24 in the magazinesection. The flattened containers 24 are stacked in the magazine sectionso that flaps 62 and 62' and a side 72s therebetween are in alignmentwith and face the picker section 26.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, the picker section 26 includes a pickercarriage 82 slidably mounted on a pair of generally horizontallydisposed rodlike members 84 suitably supported in the framework 38.Carriage 82 is adapted to be advanced toward the stack or supply ofcontainers 24 in the magazine section 22 and retracted therefrom bymeans of an air ram 86 of conventional relay-controlled, solenoid-valveoperated type. Mounted on the carriage 82 are a plurality of suctioncups 88 connected by suitable tubing or pipes to a source of vacuum, notshown. Thus, upon retraction of the air ram 86, the vacuum cups 88 arebrought into contact with the first or leading flattened container 24for engaging the facing side 72s thereof and attachment thereto by thevacuum suction. Extension of the air ram 86 results in the first orleading flattened container 24 being withdrawn or plucked from thestack, the pressure of the holding fingers 56 and 56', the engagement offlaps 70 and 70' with fingers 80 and 80, and parts of the pusher section30 in the path of the withdrawn container, all cooperating to open andsubstantially square the container with return movement of the carriage82. In addition to being held by the vacuum suction of the cups 88, theopened container is also supported on a horizontal platform made up offloor plates 90 suitably supported in the framework 38, FIGS. 4 and 6.

Pusher section 30 includes a pusher carriage 92 having a pair of sleeves94 and 94' mounted for sliding movement on a pair of horizontallydisposed, rodlike members 96 suitably supported in the framework 38, thepusher carriage being reciprocated by the extension and retraction of arelay-controlled, solenoid-valve operated air ram 98, shown in FIG. 1.Best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lower end of the pusher carriage 92supports a pair of angular members 100 which serve to tuck in the bottomtrailing end flap 64'. It will be noted that in the extended position ofthe air ram 98, members 100 are disposed with'the free distal endsthereof just behind flap 64' after the flattened container 24 has beenopened and substantially squared. With such-disposition of the members100, the members assist in such squaring and opening of the flattenedcontainer as it is withdrawn past the members by the picker section 26with extension of the air ram 86.

With air ram 86 extended, the opened and substantially squared container24 is disposed in alignment with the flight section 28 and is supportedin such disposition by floor plates 90 and the suction on the cups 88.Retraction of air ram 98 moves pusher carriage 92 toward trailing side72! of the container 24, causing members 100 to fold or tuck in trailingbottom end flap 64 and bring a transverse member 102 carried by thepusher carriage into contact with trailing side 72:, continuedretraction of the ram 98 completing squaring of the opened container andmoving it into the flight section 28.

Referring to FIG. 1, as carriage 92 begins its pushing movement, sleeve94' actuates a switch 104 which controls a solenoid-operated valve, notshown, in the'ordinary manner for interrupting the vacuum to suctioncups 88 and releasing container 24. At the end of such pushing movement,sleeve 94' actuates a switch 106 which causes air ram 98 to extend forreturning pusher carriage 92 to starting position. In the process ofreturning, sleeve 94' actuates a switch 110 which activates a relay, notshown, for reestablishing control circuitry causing air ram 86 toretractand move picker carriage 82 towards the supply of containers 24. In thecourse of such movement, carriage 82 actuates a switch 112 causingreverse movement of air ram 86 and the carriage, see FIG. 6. At the endof such reverse movement, carriage 82 actuates a switch 114 controllinga relay, not shown, reestablishing control circuitry causing the pushersection 30 to become effective. Thus, the picker and pusher sectionsalternate in their operation to align and introducean opened and squaredcontainer into the flight section 28. i

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, it will be noted that the flight section28 includes a pair of elongated housings 116 suitably supported in theframework 38 and having open sides which face inwardly toward each otherto define a flight section channel 1160 therebetween. Mounted in each ofthe housings 116 is a pair of vertically spaced drive sprockets 118,secured to a vertical drive shaft 120, and a pair of vertically spacedidler sprockets 122 mounted for rotation about the axis of a verticalshaft 124. Trained about the sprockets 118 and 122 are pairs of endlesschains 126 which carry a plurality of spaced, vertically disposed,cleats 128, each cleat having a portion adapted to project into theflight section channel 1160 during movement of the chains so as toengage the trailing side 72! of the container for moving it through theflight section Drive shafts 120 are interconnected by suitable sprocketsand chains, collectively designated generally by reference numeral 130,driven by a motor 132 through belting 134 and a relay-controlledtransmission clutch and braking mechanism 136 in a manner such that theruns of the chains 126 defining the flight channel l16c-move in thedirection from right to left as viewed in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 4, disposed below the housings 116 and verticallyaligned with the flight section channel 116s is a pair of generallyhorizontal supporting plates 138 and 140 which support the openedcontainer 24 as it is moved through the is supported on the plate 138with the bottom end flaps 64' and 68' tucked in and the bottom sideflaps 62' and 70 dependingly disposed as shown in FIG. 10.

A gluing apparatus 144 may be located in the vicinity of plates 138 and142 for applying glue to the inner surfaces of the depending bottom sideflaps 62' and 70'. Control of the gluing apparatus may be achieved byengagement and disen gagement of the opened container 24 with a switch144s.

Also associated with plate 138 is an apparatus for bending or folding upthe bottom side flaps 62' and 70' which includes a pair ofrelay-controlled, solenoid-valve operated air rams 146 supported in theframework 38 and obliquely disposed with respect to the flaps 62' and70', as shown in FIG. 10. Thus, upon extension of the rams 146, contactheads 148 carried thereby engage the bottom side flaps 62' and 70' andfold them upwardly to the dotted line positions shown in the F IG. Asthe container is moved through the flight section 28, the leading edgesof the bent up bottom side flaps' 62' and 70' are adapted to be engagedby an inclined plate or ramp 150 joined to support plate 140, ramp 150serving to close the bottom side flaps 62 and 70', plate 140 serving topress the glue coated inner surfaces thereof against the bottom endflaps 64' and 68. I

Associated with support plate 140 is a pair of pressing or scoringrollers 152 which are adjustably mounted in the framework 38 forrotation about oblique or inclined axes, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, andare adapted to engage the closed bottom side flaps 62 and 70' inside thefold lines thereof for setting the fold or bend.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, mounted atop the housings 116 areupstanding members 154 on which a pair of elongated guide members 156paralleling the flight section channel 1160 are adjustably supported,the guides being adapted to engage the upper side flaps 62 and 70 of theopened container 24 as it moves through the flight section.

Also mounted atop the housings 116 are a pair of standards 158 in theupper ends of which is rotatably mounted a flap kicker arm 160operatively connected to a relay-controlled, solenoid-valve operated airram 162 for oscillatory actuation thereby, see FIGS. 1 and 4. Actuationof kicker arm 160 downwardly, after the leading upper flap 68 has passedby, results in unfolding the leading upper end flap 68 outwardly aheadof leading side 72 of the opened container 24. The flap 68 is thenengaged by a presser plate 164 which, in due course, engages thetrailing upper end flap 64 for unfolding or opening it outwardly.Associated with the presser plate 164 are diverging plow members 165which engage the upper side flaps and unfold or open them outwardly.Thus, the container is discharged from the forming machine onto aconveyor, not shown, with the bottom of the container closed and sealedand the upper flaps thereof in open position for receipt of articles tobe packed thereinto.

Pushing the opened and squared container 24 into the flight sectionchannel 116:: causes the container to engage and close a pair ofswitches 144s and 168, FIG. 3, the former controlling the gluingapparatus 144, the latter closing a circuit for activating the relay,not shown, which controls the transmission clutch and braking device 136for putting the chains 126 into motion, which causes a pair of cleats128 to engage with the trailing side 72! of the container. Suchmotioncontinues until another of the cleats 128 actuates a switch 170,FIG. 3, for causing device 136 to declutch and brake the chains 126 to astop. In moving to such a stopped position, the opened container 24engages and actuates a switch 172 which controls the relay for causingrams 146 to extend and partly fold the bottom side flaps 62' and 70'. Atabout the same time, the opened container engages and actuates a switch174 for causing actuation of the ram 162 and swinging of kicker. arm 160for unfolding the upper leading end flap 68. After the container hascleared switches 172 and 174, rams 146 and 162 are actuated in thereverse direction.

With the pushing of another opened and squared container into the flightsection, the cycle is repeated, the formed container ahead in duecoursebei rgdischarged from the forming machine.

Inviting attention to FIGS. 8 and 8a, it will be noted that ratchetmechanism 50 includes the usual ratchet wheel 176 fixed to a shaft 178to which sprockets, not shown, are secured for movement of chains 34with rotation of the shaft. Pivoted on shaft 178 is a bifurcated lever180 on which is pivotally mounted a ratchet pawl 182 biased intoengagement with the ratchet wheel 176 by a spring 184. Thus, when lever180 is oscillated, shaft 178 is rotated in increments for intermittentlyadvancing the upper runs of chains 34 from right to left as viewed inFIG. 8.

Oscillation is imparted to lever 180 by an air ram 186 pivoted to abracket 188 fixed to one of the rails 32. Ram 186 has an adjustable rod190 connected to the lever 180 by a resilient lost motion connectionwhich includes a block 192.

pivoted to the lever and springs 194 and collars 196 on the rod toeither side of the block, as shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 8a illustrates schematically the operation of the ram 186. Ram 186is actuated by the application of air thereto through asolenoid-controlled valve SV having a pair of solenoids S alternatelyactivated by time delay relays TDR1 and TDR2. Power to the time delayrelays is controlled by microswitch 52 and the relays are. interrelatedso that when one relay is activated it causes the air ram 186 to move inone direction for a predetermined period of time, the time delay periodof the relay, say one second, after which power is switched to the otherrelay for causing movement of the air ram in the other direction. Thisalternate actuation of the ram continues until the supply of containerforms has advanced to the point where the leading one thereof pressesmicroswitch 52 to open position which cuts off power to the relays andstops operation of the ratchet mechanism. With the withdrawal of theleading container form and closing of switch 52, the air ram 186 isagain intermittently actuated until the next container form is in readyor operative position.

OPERATION The operation of the single magazine embodiment of the presentinvention is believed to be clearly apparent and is briefly summarizedat this point. It will be appreciated that machine is equipped withconventional controls, such as valves, for controlling the delivery ofvacuum and air pressure, a master control relay for the delivery ofpower, etc., usually actuated by pushbuttons or the'like, showings ofwhich are deemed unnecessary since they are well known and widely usedin the ordinary manner by those skilled in the art. If desired, apressure responsive switch may be associated with the vacuum line to thesuction cups 88 so that the machine will not operate unless the vacuumto the line is on. Magazine section 22 having been loaded with a supplyof containers 24 in knocked-down or flattened form and impeding fingers80 and 80' disposed in line with slots 66 and 66' of the container forms24, the sources of vacuum and air pressure are turned on, the power onbutton is pressed which starts the flight section motor 132 and deliverspower to the master control relay. Pressing a starting button deliverspower to the various parts causing the ratchet mechanism to be actuatedand advance the leading container form to the ready or operativeposition. Pressing an automatic cycle button causes air ram 86 toretract and move picker carriage 82 toward the supply of container forms24. As suction cups 88 contact and suctionally engage side 72; of thefirst orleading container form, switch 112, FIG. 6, is actuated causingthe air ram 86 to extend and move the picker carriage 82 away from thesupply of containers in magazine section 22 and pluck or withdraw theleading container form therefrom. The action of holding fingers 56 and56 and impeding fingers 80 and 80' exerts drag on the withdrawncontainer form. This and the disposition of the members 100,'combinedwith the pull of the picker carriage 82, opens and substantially squaresthe withdrawn container form, the lower edges thereof being supported onfloor plates 92.

' contact with the trailing side 72: of the container, squaring thesame. At this time, sleeve 94' actuates switch 104 for releasing thevacuum suction hold on the opened and squared container and continuedmovement of carriage 92 pushes the opened container into the flightsection channel 1l6c. In doing so, sleeve 94' engages switch 106,actuation of which causes air ram 98 to extend and return carriage 92.During return of carriage 92, switch is actuated for reestablishing thepicker section control and the picker carriage 82 is moved toward themagazine section 22 for withdrawal of another container form therefromand a repetition of its cycle of operation. In the meantime, the ratchetmechanism 50 of the magazine section has been actuated to move thesupply of container forms so that the leading one is in ready oroperative position.

Pushing of the opened and squared container 24 into the flight sectionchannel 116c causes it to engage and actuate switches 168 and 144: forcausing actuation of the transmission clutching and braking device 136and the gluing apparatus 144. Actuation of device 136 causes a pair ofcleats 128 to be moved and engage behind the opened and squaredcontainer. Movement ahead of this container folds up leading bottom endflap 68 and actuates switches 172 and 174 for partly folding up thebottom side flaps 62 and 70' and unfolding the leading upper end flap68, movement of the container ceasing upon actuation of the switch 170.

With the introduction of another opened and squared container 24 intothe flight section channel and actuation of switch 168, the flightsection cycle is repeated and the container ahead passes under thepresser plate 164 and plow members which open up the trailing upper endflap 64 and the upper side flaps 62 and 70, the container beingdischarged with closed bottom and in open top condition ready forreceipt of articles to be packed therein.

DUAL MAGAZINE MACHINE Referring to FIG. 11, there is illustrated acontainer forming machine designated generally by reference numeral 200which has a pair of magazine sections 202a and 202 b, a pair of pickersections 2040 and 2041;, a flap opener section 208, a container flightsection 210 and a flap closer and compressor section 212, all suitablysupported in a framework 200]". Each of the sections will be describedin greater detail and their cooperative relation will be brought outmore fully in a description of the overall operation of the machine. Aswill later appear, a number of air rams are utilized in the machinewhich are of conventional relay-controlled solenoid-valve operated typewell known and widely used in the art. A showing of such relays andvalves is considered unnecessary for a clear understanding of thepresent invention. However, although the relays and valves are not showntheir operative presence is understood in the description of theoperation of the air rains in response to the actuation of switchesassociated therewith.

Magazine sections 202a and 202b are essentially similar to magazinesection 22, previously described, and corresponding parts will beidentified using the same numerals with the addition of the letters a orb, it being understood that each magazine section is complete eventhough some parts are not shown or referenced by numeral. Accordingly,referring also to FIGS. 12, 13 and 15, magazine section 202a includesrails 32a, endlesschains 34a, rod 40a, backup plate 44a, shaft 178adriven by a ratchet mechanism actuated by an air ram 186a under thecontrol of a switch 52a, etc. Similarly, magazine section 202b isprovided with rails 32b, chains 34b, rod 40b, a shaft 1178b driven by aratchet mechanism actuated by an air ram 186!) under the control of aswitch 521:, etc.

Viewing FIGS. 12 and 15, it will be noted that magazine section 202acontains a supply of container forms 24a and that magazine section 202bcontains a supply of container forms 24b. Container portions 24a and 24bare in knocked-down or flattened form and are adapted to be opened andsquared and telescopically assembled into a container for receivingarticles to be packed therein. Accordingly, the portions are formed of asize and shape such that portion 2411 forms the exterior or box portionof the container and portion 24a fits inside of portion 24b and becomesa liner portion or closure for the container. Each portion is formedwith four sides and has four flaps, later identified, extendingtherefrom to one side thereof with slots between the flaps and the usualfold lines between adjacent sides and between the sides and the adjacentflaps.

Referring to FIGS. l5.and 16 and with later assembly in view, linerportions 24a are supported in the magazine section 202a with sides 214aand 214k and flaps 214a and 214f facing the picker section 204a with theflaps thereof projecting or extending toward picker section 204b. Tohold the leading container portion 24a of the'supply in magazine section202a in operative or ready position, there is provided a pair ofupstanding rods 218 suitably supported in the framework 200f, each rod218 mounting a roller 220 and a pivoted finger 222, rollers 220 pressingagainst side 214b and flap 214g, respectively, fingers 222 pressingagainst side 2140 and flap 2142, respectively, and urged into suchengagement by'springs 224, as best seen in FIG. 12. Rollers 220 andfingers 222 exert a drag on the leading liner portion 24a for openingand squaring the same as it is extracted or withdrawn from the magazinesection, as will later appear. To assist further in the opening of thecontainer portion 24a, a projection or drag finger 226 may be mounted toproject into the slot 214: between flaps 214e and 214f and supported onthe adjacent rod 218. Also, an arcuate member 228 is disposed in thepath of side 214b and is adjustably secured to a transverse horizontalrod 230 mounted on the upper ends of the rods 218.

Box portions 24b are supported in magazine section 202b with sides 216aand 216d facing forwardly, the former above framework 200f, the rodshaving mounted thereon pivoted holding fingers 234 biased by springs236, a projection or drag finger 238 projecting into slot 216b betweenflaps 216: and 216/1 and an arcuate member 240 secured to a transvershorizontal member 242.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 14, picker section 204b includes a box pickercarriage 244 mounted for linear movement on a pair of generallyhorizontal rods 246 suitably supported in framework 200f, such movementbeing imparted thereto by the retraction and extension of an air ram248. Carriage 244 includes generally horizontal and vertical members2441: and 244v, respectively. Pivotally mounted on the member 244v forswinging about a transverse axis is a picker head lever or arm 244awhich has a rock arm 244r actuated by an airram 250 suitably connectedto the member 244k. Picker head arm 244a suitably supports a pluralityof suction cups 252 connected to a source of vacuum by a suction lineincluding flexible tubing or piping 252p. Thus, retraction of air ram250 swings arm 244a from a generally horizontal position shown in FIG.14 and disposes the suction cups 252 in position shown in phantom linesin the FIG. which places the cups in engagement with side 216d of theleading box portion 24b, as shown in phantom in FIG. 15.

With cups 252 suctionally engaging side 216d, extension of the air ram250 swings arm 244a downwardly to the generally horizontal position asshown in FIG. 14 and withdraws the leading box portion 24b against thedrag exerted thereon by fingers 234 and 238. In the process, opening ofthe box portion 24b is initiated and engagement of arcuate member 240 vwith side 216a further assists in the opening and substantial squaringof the box portion, as shown in FIG. 14.

With arm 244a disposed generally horizontally, rock arm 244r actuates aswitch 254 causing retraction of air ram 248 for moving the carriage 244away from the magazine section 202b and placing the opened box portion24b carried thereby into the entrance of flight section 210 and inalignment with the pusher section 206 and the flap opening section 208.

In the meantime, picker, section 204a withdraws a liner portion 24a frommagazine section 202a and moves it into the pusher section 206.Referring also to FIG. 13, picker section 204a includes a liner portionpicker carriage 256 mounted for linear movement on a pair of parallel,generally horizontal rods 258 suitably supported in frame 200f. Movementis imparted to carriage 256 by an air ram 260, also suitably supportedin frame 200f. Picker carriage 256 supports a plurality of suction cups262 connected to a source of vacuum by a suction line including tubingor piping 262p, the suction cups being supported so as to engage side214a of the leading liner portion 24a in the magazine section 202a, asshown in phantom lines in FIG. 15.

Thus, upon retraction of air ram 260 side 214a of the leading linerportion 24a is pulled away from the magazine section 202a, rollers 220and fingers 222 and 226 exerting drag on the liner portion for effectinginitial opening thereof upon withdrawal, arcuate member 228 engagingside 214b assisting in the opening and substantial squaring of the linerportion which is withdrawn into the pusher section 206. During suchaction, the opened liner portion is drawn onto a generally horizontalsupport platform 264 and under a pivoted depending plate 266, the upperportion of the picker carriage 256 moving through an aperture 268a in agenerally vertical plate 268, see FIGS. 13 and 18. The suction cups 262are disposed generally in the plane of the plate 268 when air ram 260 isretracted, thereby bringing side 214a of the liner portion thereagainst.With side 214d of the liner portion resting on platform 264 and side214a against plate 266, the liner portion is squared, plate 266 droppinginto place back of trailing side 2140 after the latter has passed. Plate266 thus serves to maintain the squared condition of liner portion 24aafter vacuum has been cut off from suction cups 262, as will laterappear. Liner portion 24a is now in alignment with the withdrawn boxportion 24b and is adapted to be inserted into or telescoped therewithby action of the pusher section 206 and the flap opening section 208.

Referring to F 105.11 and 18, pusher section 206 includes a pushercarriage 270 supported for linear movement on a pair of parallelgenerally horizontal rods 272 and reciprocating movement is impartedthereto by operation of an air ram 274, the rods and the air ram beingsuitably supported in the frame 200f of the machine. Pusher carriage 270is provided with a generally vertically disposed pusher plate 276 whichis fitted with rectangularly related angle irons 278 elements of whichare adapted to project into the open and squared liner portion andmaintain the squared condition thereof shortly after retraction of airram 274 commences. However, air ram 274 cannot be operated until certainconditions are satisfied, as will later appear.

Referring to FIGS. 12, 14 and 18, flap opening section 208 includes aplurality of swinging wedgelike arms 280, each fixed to a rock shaft 282rotatably mounted in the frame 200f and interconnected by gearing 284for simultaneous swinging of the arms. As seen in FIG. 12, arms 280 androck shafts 282 are disposed generally in a vertical plane and areadapted to swing outwardly from such plane, as shown in FIG. 18, byoperation of an air ram 286 pivotally supported on frame 200f by amounting bracket 288 and operatively connected toa rock arm 290 affixedto the lower horizontal rock shaft 282.

Associated with the flap opening section 208 is a pair of air rams 292which operate to extend and retract contact heads 294 for tucking in theend flaps 216a and 216g of the box portion 24a, as will later appear.

Viewing FIGS. 11, 13 and 14, flight section 210 includes an upperendless flight chain 300 reeved or trained about an idler sprocket 302and a driven sprocket 304 secured to a generally horizontal shaft 306,the shaft and sprocket 302 being rotatably supported in the framework200f. Also secured to the shaft 306 is a sprocket 308 adapted to bedriven by movement of an endless chain 310 trained about idler sprockets312 and 314 suitably supported in the frame 200f. Chain 310 also mesheswith a sprocket 316 fixed to a shaft 318 journaled in the frame 200f.Fixed to shaft 318 is a sprocket 320 driven by a chain 322 trainedthereabout and about a sprocket 324 associated with a clutch and brakedevice 326, the device being driven by means of a motor 328 and belting330. Secured to shaft 318 and driven thereby is a pair of laterallyspaced apart sprockets 332 about which are trained a pair of endlessflight chains 334 which are also trained about three sets of idlersprockets 336 suitably supported in the framework 200f. When device 326has been actuated to cause rotation of sprocket 324, the sprocket isdriven in a direction such as to cause the adjacent runs of chains 300and 334 to move from left to right as viewed in FIG. 14 and define aflight section channel 210C therebetween.

Flight chains 300 and 334 carry transverse members or cross cleats,chain 300 carrying cleats 338 and 340, chains 334 carrying cleats 342and 344. As will be seen in FIG. 14, during movement of the chains,cleats 338 are spaced from cleats 340 and in the flight channel 210a aredisposed opposite cleats 342 which are spaced from cleats 344, thelatter being disposed opposite the cleat 340 in the flight channel.Normally, flight chains 300 and 334 are stopped with a cleat 338generally in the vertical plane of the plate 268, the opposite pairofcleats 342 being similarly disposed.

Viewing FIG. 14, it will be appreciated that opened box portion 24b maybe slightly rhombic in cross section as it is inserted into the entranceof the flight section channel 210a by movement of box picker carriage244 with retraction of air ram 248. For the purpose of squaring theopened box portion 24b, there is provided a squaring arm 346 mounted onframe 200ffor swinging and adapted to be actuated for engaging thetrailing side 214s of the box portion and moving it so that the edges ofthe leading side 216a of box portion are engaged by the cross cleats 338and 342 just ahead.

Referring also to FIG. 17, it will be seen that arm 346 is actuated byan air ram 348 suitably mounted in frame 200fand operatively connectedto the arm by a rocker lever 346r. Simultaneously with the actuation ofsquaring arm 346, flap opening arms 280 are swung outwardly from theirgenerally vertical plane and engage the flaps of the box portion 24b, asshown in FIG. 18. With the operation of the flap opener arms 280, thebox picker carriage 244 is caused to return to the magazine section202b, the pusher section 206 is caused to operate for moving pusherplate 276 so that projections 278 carried thereby engage within theliner portion 240 for maintaining the squared condition thereof. As thepusher plate commences to move the liner portion, the vacuum of thesuction cups 262 is interrupted and the liner portion 24a is releasedfor insertion into the awaiting box portion 2412. With continuedmovement of the pusher plate, the liner portion is inserted into the boxportion, such insertion being ended when the liner portion has beenfully telescoped into the box portion with the liner portion flapsextending beyond the box portion, as shown in FIG. 18.

After the pusher carriage 270 has cleared the path ofmovement of theliner picker carriage 256, the picker carriage is caused to return tothe magazine section 2020 back of the pusher carriage 270. After theportions 24a and 24b have been telescoped into an assembled container,the pusher carriage 270 is caused to return to its initial normalstarting position.

With return movement of carriage 270, air ram 286 is operated for returnof the flap opener arms 280 to their normal positions and air rams 292are operated for tucking in end flaps 2162 and 216g of the box portion24b. Shortly afterwards, the clutch and brake device 326 is actuated forinitiating movement of the flight chains 300 and 334, cleats 340 and 344just behind the assembled container engaging the edges of trailing side2160 of box portion 24b and moving the assembled container through theflight channel 210c to the flap closing and compressing section 212.

Viewing FIG. 14, during movement to section 212, the side I flaps 2l6fand 216h of the box portion 24b are engaged by a pair of plow members349 for folding the side flaps inwardly toward closing position and glueis applied to the tucked in end flaps 216a and 2163 by a suitable gluingdevice 350 which is solenoid operated and activated on actuation of aswitch 351 engaged by the box portion 24b as it passes by.

With movement of the assembled container into alignment with section212, flight chains 300 and 334 are caused to stop and air rams 292 areretracted for withdrawing the contact heads 294. This is achieved by theaction of a cam 352 in a manner later made clear, the cam being securedto shaft 318 for rotation therewith.

Referring to FIGS. 13, 14, 18 and 19, flap closer and compressor section212 includes a pair of generally parallel guides 353 which in effect areextensions of the plow members 349 and serve to hold the side flaps intheir partially folded or bent positions. Associated with the guides isa pair of flap closer members 354 supported on the distal ends of arms356 fixed to a pair of parallel rock shafts 358 suitably mounted in theframe 200f for rotation to provide for pivotal movement of the arms 356about generally horizontal axes. Shafts 358 are interconnected bygearing 360 for simultaneous rocking thereof and opposite swinging ofthe arms 356, the lower shaft 358 having fixed thereto a rock arm 362 towhich motion is imparted by the extension and retraction of an air ram364 for swinging of the arms 356 and the flap closers 354 carriedthereby from the open position of the flap closers, as shown in FIG. 18,to the closed position thereof, as shown in FIG. 19. In moving to theclosed position of FIG. 19, the flap closers complete the closing of thepartly folded side flaps 216]" and 2l6h of the box portion 24b and inthe closed position provide a planar surface which serves as a backupplate engaging the exterior portions of the closed side flaps.

Section 212 also includes a compressor head carriage 366 mounted forlinear sliding movement on a pair of generally horizontal rods 368mounted in parallelism on frame 200), movement being imparted to thecarriage 366 by the extension and retraction of an air ram 370 alsomounted on frame 200f. Resiliently connected to carriage 366 by meansincluding ofa plurality of springs 372 is presser plate 374. Thus, withextension of the air ram 370, presser plate 374 is inserted into theopened and squared liner portion 240 of the assembled container andengages the closed bottom of the box portion 24b for pressing the gluedflaps into adhering engagement. After a predetermined time delay, airram 370 operates to withdraw the presser plate and return to its normalposition shown in FIG. 11. Also, air ram 364 is caused to retract andmove the flap closer members 354 to their normal open or separatedpositions.

With the next cycling movement of the flight chains, the as sembledcontainer is moved away from section 212 for eventual discharge from themachine 200. If desired, suitable plow members may be provided forturning the assembled container to present the same with the flaps ofthe liner portion 2441 directed upwardly after which the container maybe subjected to the action of devices similar to the flap kicker arm160, presser plate 164 and plow members 166, described in conjunctionwith the machine of FIGS. 1 through 10, for outwardly bending the flapsof the liner portion 24a in order that the assembled container may bepresented in an open condition ready for the reception of articles to bepacked therein.

OPERATION The operation of the dual magazine machine of the presentinvention is believed to be clearly apparent and is briefly summarizedat this point. Except for air rams 186a, l86b and 370 which employ atime delay relay for control thereof, the air rams utilized in themachine 200 are of the type which are operated by the appropriatepositioning of a solenoidoperated valve which is controlled by asuitable relay of conventional type. Referring to FIGS. 11, 13 and 14,it is assumed

